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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Skip to My Ormolu

Part of the reason I love collecting antiques is simply because of the history behind each piece. The other part of the reason is because of the sheer beauty of such found objets d'art.

Ormolu originally came from the French which meant to ground or pound gold. By the 18th-century the English used the term for applying very finely ground gold into a mercury mixture that was then applied to bronze. As you can imagine this was very dangerous. In fact, the artisans that originally applied this technique did not live to see age 50.

Around 1830, mercury was banned in France and the process evolved into a type of electro-plating. Ormolu is most commonly seen on decorative items such as tables, clocks, and vases. This ormolu casket jewelry box with velvet interior was an absolute steal. I purchased it for $2.00 at the local Goodwill because it has a hairline crack in the beveled glass top. Nothing a strain a pearls can't hide

It was love at first sight when I saw this French perfume bottle at a French antique store. The gold ormolu floral motif overlay over molded glass just made my heart skip a beat.

Hi Paula,your Ormolu collection made also my heart beating. All the objects are real treasures and you displayed it fantastic. Thank you for sharing of all this information, for showing your treasures and for hosting this nice party.Best greetings, Johanna

Hi lovely lady.Thanks so much for hosting your linky party. I see you have more great finds from the goodwill!! Beautiful.I just put your Button on my blog, hope you have a wonderful week with your family.XXOO Diane

Very pretty my friend..I did a post about 2 years ago with my collection of perfume bottle like these..I have 6 of them plus the tray, ring box. and vases..Great minds think alike and all ha ha!! Hope you have the best day ever my friend..Hugs and love Gl♥ria

Paula you had me gasping from pic one! Oh my friend anything ormolu makes my heart go pitter patter! LOVE all the beautiful perfume bottles! (I collect them too...probably no surprise seein' as we're twins and all *winks*) Your lace and ormolu tray is absolutely gorgeous! Worth any wait for sure! I'm wiping drool off my chin and trying to pin pix at the same time lol! Oh and thanks for hosting this wonderful party! Stop by and see what made my heart skip a beat this week *winks*Hi to beautiful Patti too! Vanna

Hi Paula! I so enjoyed reading your post this week. I just bought my first piece of ormolu last week - a jewelry casket very similar to the one you have. I'm on the hunt for more pieces now. Your collection is gorgeous!

Hi Paula! I'm glad your link was still open, I didn't want to miss the party! I have that same double cherub holder but it didn't have the perfume bottle when I found it :( and I always thought it was to hold a tube of lipstick! silly me! I love Carmelina's snowflakes, gorgeous! And Renee's kitchen is AMAZING! I love the way she thinks, repurposing the dresser was genius!Thanks for the party!t.xoxooxox

Oh, I love all of these, but I have to say the French perfume bottle is my favotite I've never seen anything like it before. These are all so unique, and they look like antique gold, which I love. Don't ever give that perfume bottle away...it's so pretty.~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Oh my!!!! GORGEOUS..I absolutely love these...had a perfume tray similar to this look, unfortunately it absolutely fell apart. Thank you for reminding me to be on the lookout for another one!!A beautiful week to you both,xoxo,- Irina

The Ladies of Ivy and Elephants

We are Moms, dreamers, visionaries, and creators. Our love for all things vintage and Victorian is evident throughout our homes. We are passionate about our families, friends, food, and fabulous finds. We are Ivy & Elephants.